Spooky Sounds

Today's music therapy group was themed around Halloween! The group began with a musical game involving halloween themed words and phrases. Group members learned short rhythmic phrases that corresponded with spooky lyrics. The group played their phrases in a call and response fashion one by one.

We then moved into creating a spooky soundscape. The group went around the circle and took turns creating a spooky or scary sound on their instruments. Participants made sounds like footsteps, creaking doors and door knocking. The group then created a group improvisation with different spooky soundscapes.

We then moved into an opposite emotional landscape, the group brainstormed what a target emotion may be when experiencing fear. Words included calm, relaxed, peaceful, soothed, confident, free and capable. The group then created a second improvisation inspired by these words. One group member sang along and freestyled lyrics about the theme of facing fears and triumphing.

We then moved into our main Halloween activity, Halloween Bingo. Each group member was given a bingo card with a variety of spooky sounds like a thunderstorm, black cat, footsteps, whispers, a howling wolf etc. The music therapist played these sound effects and the group marked them off on their sheets. Group members shouted Boo! or Bingo to signal that they had completed a full line of sound effects.

We then closed with the requested song share activity. Group members shared a song of meaning with the group, discussed how they related to the song and listened with everybody.

Freedom in Music

The group began with a warm up to get acquainted with the different musical instruments and options. This was followed by some more structured exercises where group members were invited to create their own rhythmic phrases that the rest of the group would repeat back in a call and response fashion.

The group then began a melodic improvisation. Since the group was smaller, this gave us the opportunity to each play a melodic instrument, the ukulele, piano, guitar, kalimba and xylophone. Each melodic instrument had the C and E notes marked with a colourful sticker. The group improvisation consisted of two different sections; in section one participants were instructed to just play the two marked notes, in section two participants could then play freely and expand to all notes on their instrument. The group toggled between the two sections, any player could raise their hand to cue other players into the following section. The group laughed as the young baby raised her hand at one point to cue players.

In the verbal discussion that followed, group members shared their preference for section two where they had full freedom to play and express how they chose. The group then created a storm improvisation, where through using instruments they created the soundscape of a storm passing through.

Participants chose to finish with music listening and song sharing, each group member shared a song of meaning with the group and discussed its importance in their life and family. 

Loud, Soft, Fast and Slow

The session began by everyone getting acquainted with the instruments; the music therapist ran a brief demonstration of the instruments and everyone played different sounds with energy, joy and enthusiasm. The group then began a few warm up games using clapping. There was lots of smiling and laughter throughout the games as players tried to stay on track with their claps. The group then requested to dive into music making with the instruments. Each participant chose an instrument and the group engaged in a group improvisation. In the verbal debrief that followed, one group member shared that it was fun to play with others and that the music sounded pretty. 

The group then played a second improvisation; this time group members were invited to take a solo on an instrument of their choice. Every single group member decided to take a solo during the piece. Participants played enthusiastically and expressively during their solos. We then moved into a leadership exercise using music conducting. Each group member had the opportunity to play the role of music conductor with the group, there were four cues: louder, quieter, faster and slower, with corresponding gestures. As the group was led by each conductor, group members laughed and played alongside the respective directions. 

We then played a short bell choir exercise where each group member played a colourful bell with a specific note in the musical scale. The group played the bells together to create different chord progressions and patterns. 

To conclude, group members chose to do a singing exercise and a listening exercise. Group members engaged in a call and response game where they sang four different phrases and everyone repeated them back while playing different instruments. Finally, one group member chose a favourite song for the group to listen to to end the session. 

Time to Solo!

The group began by listening to a requested song shared by a group member. Some group members were already familiar with this piece of music. The group then learned how to play and sing the chorus of the song on a variety of instruments including guitar, ukulele, kalimba and various drums. The group played the chorus with alternating improvised verse sections. Group members shared that it was fun to learn how to play a song so quickly just through listening. The group was then invited to play a selection of musical games. The group shared laughter, silliness and connection throughout the series of activities and games. Group members then got the opportunity to improvise with one another and perform a short solo if desired. Four group members chose to take a solo on a variety of instruments. The group played together and at the cue of the music therapist, the soloists each got the chance to play their solo. Participants played expressively and beautifully with each solo. The group discussed how good it feels to play a solo and how we can sometimes get nervous when put on the spot like this. 

Sing, Listen, and Play

The session began with some warm ups to get used to the space. Group members were invited to select an instrument and begin playing and creating together. A few group members added their voice to the music through singing and humming. Group members shared which instruments they were drawn to and what they appreciated about the sound. One group member reflected how different an instrument can sound when played solo versus in different combinations of instrumentation. The group discussed how each musical piece created is original, unique and special based on the instrumentation, players, tempo, etc.

The group then played an instrument swap game, players were invited to select a handheld instrument such as a maraca, ukulele, small drum or kalimba. The group would play the instrument they had, then when a player raised their hand everyone passed their instrument to the person on their right. The group continued the game so everyone got an opportunity to play each instrument.

Group members then reflected on what instruments they preferred and why. This resulted in a great discussion about the different qualities of each instrument and how one could express their emotion on each instrument. After a few more musical exercises, the group switched into listening mode as members were invited to share a song of meaning with the group. We all listened to four different pieces. The pieces of music varied in style, genre, cultural background, language and meaning. Participants shared how each piece made them feel and what they took away from each song. The group members supported one another in their emotional expression and disclosure. 

You Are a Promise

The group began with several musical games and activities to get warmed up and acquainted with the instruments. One group member shared that they play the guitar, and chose the ukulele as their main instrument. Another group member shared that they enjoy singing and using their voice. Group members laughed and connected throughout the exercises. One group shared that it required a lot of focus to play the instrument and listen to everyone else at the same time. The group then moved into two free improvisations, one with words of intent and one completely free. The words chosen included peace, calm, and happiness. One group member shared after the improvisation that it felt good to find their own groove. The group then moved into a song share where each participant was invited to select a song of meaning and share it with the group. The group listened to three songs from different group members. The pieces of music brought up different emotions for different group members. The group engaged in discussion to process emotions and support one another. The remaining songs will be played next week. 

Sunshine and Self Love

Today we sat outside for music therapy and everyone shared how much they appreciated the sun. We shared one good thing that happened to us this week, and moved to playing instruments and dancing to music suggested by the participants. We then sang Simply the Best and wrote our own versions of Simply the Best. One of the participants shared that she wanted to sing her version for the group, and she dedicated her version to one of the staff members. She then shared how grateful she was for the community and that she was sad she would be leaving soon. The participants provided support and affirmed that she would always belong to the community, even if she was moving away. We closed the session with the first part of a poetry writing exercise using song lyrics.

My Favourite Thing!

The highlight of today's class was one child who was feeling shy and hid during the yellow song, and was then dancing and singing and playing all of the instruments by the end of the class! It is my absolute favourite thing when kids learn that this is a safe space for them to let loose! The toddler class had the most attendance this week which was a welcome surprise! The attendance for the school age class was low but it meant that I got to have some quality teaching time with a student who often feels left behind because they are the youngest in the group.

Music Has No Limits

This group has such a love and dedication for learning to play the ukulele. They are focused and determined to learn the new skills each week. When the hard work is done they love to jam and bounce around the room to Sleeping Bunnies and Little Green Frog. With bells on their wrists their age doesn't limit what songs they enjoy and it is incredible to witness.

Music Matters

Jamming with these musicians is always the most fun. The kids of all ages get up and sing and dance and share. Often there are conflicts over instruments, or classic kid disputes, but they work together to resolve any issue so we can get back to making music! Music Matters, it's showing these kids how to work as a team with their siblings.